‘Lord of the Flies’: the plot & themes Lesson Objectives: to identify key aspects of plot to become familiar with themes of the novel

The Plot All of the action takes place on the island. The island becomes the boys’ life The Plot The novel explores how the boys organise themselves in this new way of life and survive http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/proselordflies/proselordfliesplotact.shtml

The pig’s head is put on a stick by Jack and his tribe as an offering to the beast on the island. It appears to speak to Simon and calls itself the ‘Lord of the Flies’ The Beast/Lord of the Flies represents evil, the most important theme of the novel. The novel questions whether we all have evil in us, somewhere. Themes http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/proselordflies/proselordfliesthemesact.shtml

The Themes … Good v Evil Nature Themes Power Law and order

Themes Conch boys v Hunting Tribe Friends to enemies Island is a tropical paradise Boys interfere with nature Peace to violence Jack v Ralph Island is a microcosm Boys destroy nature on island Light & darkness Boys v Beast Nature mirrors moods – storm = fight Good v Evil Nature Themes Power struggles Island can repair – can boys? Power Law and order Starts off democratic Civilisation turns into barbarity Conch represents power and authority Things break down Friends become enemies Savagery takes over Abuse of power

Themes mind map Add as many extra ideas as you can to the themes mind map, using your knowledge of the plot. Consider: Who does what? Who is involved with each theme?

Characters Think about the key events in the book for each main character.

Ralph Blowing the conch, being voted leader (allows Jack to be in charge of the choir) Organising the signal fire Building the shelters (for littluns), argument with Jack Confrontation with Jack after the fire goes out Remains chief after Jack’s challenge – the group splits Goes to Jack’s feast, dances. Involved in killing Simon Goes with Piggy and Samneric to get Piggy’s glasses back Is hunted by Jack’s group Is rescued and weeps for the loss of innocence

Piggy Finds the conch, suggests the meeting and taking names. Realises nobody knows where they are. Bullied and dismissed by the others: ‘Piggy’ Relies on the conch to make himself heard in meetings. Doesn’t believe in the ‘beastie’ Angry when the fire gets out of control because the others don’t listen to Ralph Accuses Jack after the ship is seen – his glasses are broken Goes to the feast and is involved in Simon’s killing – in denial about it later Has his glasses stolen Goes to reclaim his glasses with the conch – is killed

Jack Appears at the head of the choir – asserts authority (doesn’t let them take cloaks off). Bullies Piggy. Claims he should be leader – uses his choir as hunters. Can’t kill the piglet when he goes exploring Becomes obsessed with hunting – lets the signal fire go out, paints his face Hits Piggy and breaks his glasses to hunt the Beast Splits from the others after unsuccessfully challenging Ralph’s leadership Steals Piggy’s glasses to light the fire Kills a pig and leaves the head as a gift for the Beast Becomes a dictator of his tribe, leads the group in dancing and kills Simon Orders Samneric’s kidnapping, hunts Ralph after Piggy’s death,

Simon Faints – then goes exploring with Jack and Ralph. Helps Ralph build shelters for the littluns. Goes to his sanctuary in the clearing – spiritual. Has the idea to use Piggy’s glasses to light the fire. Picks fruit for the littluns when they can’t reach it. Gives his pork to Piggy after Jack doesn‘t give him any. Doesn’t believe in the Beast – goes across the island at dusk to go back to Piggy – courageous Confronts the Lord of the Flies – realises evil is inside us, not a Beast Goes up the hill to confront the Beast – releases the dead parachute from the lines Returns to the beach to tell the others – is killed.